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The Port of Vancouver is the largest port
in Canada and the third largest in North
America in terms of total tonnage moved
in and out of the port.
7
In 2018, Vancouver was ranked the sixth
most ‘livable city in the world’ by The
Economist.
8
Though the name would suggest
otherwise, it’s widely believed that ‘The
California Roll’ was actually created by Jap-
anese-born Vancouver chef Hidekazu Tojo.
9
The Marine Building, located at 355
Burrard Street in Downtown Vancouver,
was once the tallest building in the British
Empire at 321 feet.
4 It is home to Canada’s longest pool
— Kits Pool. Located in the Kitsilano
neighborhood, it is the city’s only saltwater
pool. The lanes stretch 137 meters, which is
almost 3 times as long as an Olympic pool. 10
5 11
Stanley Park spans 400-hectares
(1,000-acres), making it 10 percent larger
than New York’s Central Park. One of the
most popular ways to explore it is biking or
walking along the famous Seawall.
6
Stanley Park’s grey squirrels aren’t
indigenous. Rumors of how this invasive
species came to Vancouver range from a
1909 gift from New York’s Central Park to a
city acquisition from Pennsylvania. Regard-
less of their origin, the fact remains these
bushy-tailed critters are adorable.
28
explore: NW | The Official Magazine for kenmore air | Spring 2019
The Lions Gate Bridge was built
by the Guinness Beer Company in
1937 to provide easy access to the British
Properties.
Nearly the entire city burnt down in
1886 during the Great Vancouver Fire.
It started as a controlled burn, intended
to clear land. Unfortunately, the winds
shifted suddenly and the small crew of
Canadian Pacific Railway men were unable
to contain it as it consumed roughly 1,000
wooden buildings in less than 45 minutes.
12
S
LOPEZ ISLAND COMES BY ITS ‘Slowpez’
Vancouver has the world’s
longest uninterrupted
waterfront path, spanning
nearly 17.5 miles. The
5.59-mile stretch in
Stanley Park takes roughly
2 – 3 hours to walk.
From 1947 to 1986, it was illegal to sell
stoves on a Wednesday within city limits.
P
flatness to its friendliness,
Lopez Island is a biker’s
paradise.
Vancouver’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And
as is the case with most beautiful destinations, the city’s not
without its quirks and recognition.
Vancouver is also called “Hollywood of
the North.” It was recently ranked the
14th most popular city in the world for TV
production by TheTravel.com.
O
NO CAR, NO PROBLEM ON
LOPEZ ISLAND From its
12 Facts You Probably
Don’t Know About Vancouver
1
H
Vancouver is the home of Green Peace,
which was started by a group of activ-
ists in 1971. The group came together to try
and stop nuclear bomb testing in Alaska.
nickname honestly. Compared to ‘city
folk’ (aka anyone from the mainland), the
leisurely lifestyle of its 2,497 inhabitants
borders on moderately plodding. And with
good reason. Why hurry when there are
breathtaking coastal vistas and pastoral
farmlands at practically every turn?
Tucked among the United States’ north-
west archipelago, Lopez Island spans just
30-square-miles. Like a place out of time,
the only traffic jam you’ll encounter on
this idyllic escape is the occasional tractor
chugging down the road. Though far
from completely flat, the relatively gentle
topography makes for an enjoyable day in
the saddle.
In fact, some would argue Lopez is
best explored on two wheels. Just be sure
to keep your wits about you. Bike lanes
remain city luxuries, so you’re sharing
the road with mopeds and cars alike.
One-handed selfieing would be ill-advised.
Depending on your route, you’ll be
treated to views of Mount Baker, where it
towers like a giant over Lopez’s lazy pas-
tures. On the northeastern side you’ll find
Spencer Spit State Park. The two naturally
occurring sandpits are a bird-watchers
paradise, where everything from ospreys to
otters can be seen.
2019 Tour de Lopez
As a bike-friendly community, it’s no
wonder Lopez has its own bike race — a
non-competitive one, in keeping with the
island’s go-at-your-own-pace mentality.
April 27th marks the 16th annual Tour de
Lopez. This fun ride features four different
routes (5, 12, 17 and 31 miles) from two
different starting points (Odlin Park near
the Ferry Landing and the Lopez Commu-
nity Center in Lopez Village). At each of the
three designated rest areas, there will be
bakery treats and fresh organic fruit.
Rent a Ride
Hourly, daily and weekly bike rentals can be
made from Village Cycles, located in Lopez
Village. The island shop will also deliver to
the Lopez Islander Resort and Marina where
Kenmore Air seaplanes arrive.
214 Lopez Rd, 360-468-4013
villagecycles.net